"The Civic Theatre is one of the oldest community theaters in the state," the managing artistic director said. "Some of the traps we fall into is that people forget we're still here. I want to regain that magic of live theater."

Roach, 33, has only been in a leadership position with the Civic Theatre for a little over a year, but he's performed with them as an actor in the past.

"This is a theater that I've grown up in," he said. "I've been doing shows here for years. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would take over this theater."

In addition to his work at the Civic Theatre, Roach is the director at Mount Vernon High School as well.

"I love this job and I love working with students," he said. "It's an honor and privilege to direct on that stage."

Roach said his main goal as managing artistic director of the Civic Theatre is to be personable and someone the actors and crew can come talk to whenever.

"One thing I try to make people feel is a sense of comfort when they come in here," he said. "We should all take the art of theater seriously, but there's no need to be uncomfortable or tense. I try to make it as enjoyable as possible."

In addition to being approachable to the performers he works with, Roach said he wants to be approachable to the community as well.

"I love talking to people before and after performances," he said. "Not for the compliments or the praise, but I love engaging our audiences. I want to know what you enjoy and what you want to see more of."

Roach said he has several goals for the future.

"I really want to see the Civic Theatre get more active in the community," he said. "I want to see us do more volunteer things, be more proactive and be more visible in the community."

Roach also wants to pursue new and exciting things, whether that's film screenings or special effects in a show.

"I want people to be wowed that theater is just as engaging as a film they could watch on their TV at home," he said. "Even though we might present classic, older shows, this is a theater that is ever-evolving, ever-changing and ever thinking of its audience."

Roach said he's mostly inspired by his father, who has encouraged him throughout his career.

"My father took me to my first play at Mt. Vernon High School," he said. "That was it for me...since then, he's always been my cheerleader, reminding me, 'You can do this.'"

Roach said his key to success has been being open and involved.

"You won't know what you're capable of until you try it," he said. "When you do, you may find you're capable of more than you realized."